Barcode Scanner Data Manipulation Module for Flexible Formatting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing barcode scanning systems lack flexibility in performing data formatting operations, as they are typically embedded within specific data parsing/validation configurations and cannot selectively choose to format either decoded data or modified data with validation modifications, limiting their functionality.
Innovation Solution
A barcode reading system with a data manipulation module that includes separate data validation and formatting modules, allowing for independent operations such as data validation followed by formatting, validation without formatting, or formatting without validation, enabling flexible data processing according to industry standards and application requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If data formatting is embedded within specific data parsing/validation configurations, then data validation can be performed, but data formatting flexibility is limited and cannot selectively choose to format either decoded data or modified data
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the data manipulation functionality into separate, independent modules: a data validation module and a data formatting module. This segmentation allows each module to perform its specific function independently, enabling the formatting module to selectively process either decoded data or validated data without being constrained by integrated parsing/validation configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The data formatting module is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple data sources (both decoded data and validated data) and multiple formatting operations. This multi-functionality allows the same formatting module to adapt to different data processing needs without requiring separate configuration for each scenario, thereby improving flexibility without increasing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If data formatting operations are integrated with data validation, then both functions can be performed, but the system cannot selectively perform formatting without validation or validation without formatting
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the data processing system into distinct validation and formatting modules, the patent enables independent operation of each module. This allows the system to selectively enable or disable validation and formatting operations based on specific needs, providing flexibility to perform formatting without validation, validation without formatting, or both together, without increasing overall system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If data formatting is performed on decoded data only, then formatting operations are simple, but the system cannot perform formatting on validated data which may contain modifications
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs data validation as a preliminary action before formatting, when needed. The validated data, which may contain modifications from the validation process, is then passed to the formatting module. This preliminary validation step ensures that formatting operations work on verified data, and the modular architecture allows this sequence to be selectively enabled without adding unnecessary complexity to cases where validation is not required.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure concerns a barcode reading system that includes a barcode reader and a data manipulation module. The barcode reader reads a barcode, decodes the barcode, and generates decoded data. The data manipulation module includes a data validation module and a data formatting module. The data validation module can perform one or more data validation operations on the decoded data. The data formatting module is separate from the data validation module. The data formatting module can perform one or more data formatting operations on either an output of the data validation module or on the decoded data. The output of the data validation module may include one or more data validation modifications. The barcode reading system may also include a host computer that is in electronic communication with the barcode reader. In some configurations, the barcode reader may include the data manipulation module. In other configurations, the host computer may include the data manipulation.